TW201630278A - Patch panel frame for circuit board module - Google Patents

Abstract

An improved patch panel assembly includes a frame and faceplate that mate with a housing, and the housing defines a plurality of individual communication ports. The housing is mounted to the patch panel frame and includes jack openings that accommodate data jacks and circuit board openings that accommodate mating blades of circuit boards. The two sets of openings are separated on the housing by an intervening spacing and interposer terminal sets are provided to electrically interconnect the jacks with circuits on the circuit boards. The patch panel housings may be formed in discrete groupings so that, if desired, the patch panels may have ports that are grouped together by bandwidth, storage capability and the like. Inasmuch as the housings are mounted to the patch panel frames, the jacks and the circuit boards can be easily and individually replaced, repaired or upgraded with similar components without requiring disassembly of the patch panel.

Description

Patch panel frame for circuit board modules [related application]

The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 62/033, filed on Aug. 6, 2014, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

The present application relates generally to a structure for a data transmission network, and more particularly to a network patch panel assembly, a socket for such an element, to hold the socket in place within such an element The pedestal and the light pipe arrangement for the components, all of which have an improved structure that facilitates rapid and reliable upgrade and assembly of the data transmission network.

Data transmission networks are widely used in commercial activities, including the financial sector, the retail sector, the manufacturing sector, the medical sector, the education sector, and the engineering sector. They typically include a central server or computer memory that is connected or networked to a plurality of end user devices. These end user devices include any device that transmits or receives data (such as a personal computer, docking station, wireless transmission device), while the terminal user device can include a printer, a scanner, a fax machine, and a network voice. Telephone and network protocol (IP) enabled sensors, alarms, cameras And lighting system. All of these devices are typically operatively coupled or connected together by means of data transmission lines that employ high speed data cables that contain associated high speed data conductor pairs.

A company or business may include many end-user devices that are accessible to network terminal users deployed throughout a single office area or multiple independent offices and/or public areas, such as a conference room, wireless network (Wi -Fi) area and print area (havens). The network devices form the core of an enterprise data communication network in the form of switches and routers because they route data packets between end user devices of the local area network or between a local area network and a larger enterprise wide area network. in this way. Many of these router and switch network devices are typically located in rooms and data centers called wiring closets. In order to provide connections between different end user devices, the network devices are interconnected by a cable in a one-to-one relationship. Cables can be used to connect data transmission lines to routers and switches that pass data signals to end user devices.

The network often utilizes a network patch panel as an interconnected way, and the network patch panel (commonly referred to as a "wiring board") is interposed between the end user device and the switch or router and can be used to use the terminal. The computer is connected to the intranet or the Internet. Patch cords or patch cords are used to connect different data transmission lines to network devices. Space is invaluable in the wiring room, so it is very advantageous to find ways to reduce the size of the terminal block assembly or increase the capacity of the terminal block assembly. Such a patch panel assembly can include: a circuit board fixed in place within the patch panel assembly; a base mounted to the circuit board and coupled to a surface and/or frame of a patch panel; and one or more data receptacles retained on the base to define a plurality of One patch panel port, each patch panel port housing a multi-wire socket. The wires of the data transmission cable leading from the end user station or the end user device are typically terminated by a wire punch to the insulated piercing terminals on the rear of the socket of the terminal block. The patch cord is then used to connect the data transmission line associated with one patch panel to the port of another network patch panel (opening for the socket). The patch cord can be used in this manner to connect the data transmission line to a particular end user location or end user device.

Patch panels can be thought of as the nerve center of an enterprise's information technology or data transmission system because they are important links to connect data and route it to where it is needed. The central role of patch panels in telecommunications network management is that they can handle the movement, addition and change of end user locations and end user devices. In today's complex office structures, patch panels represent the only effective way to transfer lines from one office to another. For example, if two workers have to transfer the desk position, a simple switch of the patch cords inserted into different ports on a patch panel can make this movement easier. Without such performance, it would be a waste of time and effort to terminate the cable that would have to be hard wired. Patch panels are typically manufactured in standard width and height, and a typical standard size patch panel includes 24 ports. These ports each hold up to four wire pairs for a total of 96 wire pairs. These wires Each of the terminations supports a plurality of insulation displacement terminals by terminating the associated terminations to the termination faces of the receptacles. The data cable and its associated wires are supported on a frame at the rear of the patch panel, and these cables tend to reduce the available space for operating the cable. This makes replacing the components of the patch panel very time consuming, and the tight clearance associated with the patch panel components makes the replacement or upgrade process difficult.

It is very cumbersome to replace or upgrade a conventional patch panel assembly because multiple sockets may be mounted together in a layout on one side of a first circuit board (as of the assignee of the present application, August 28, 2012) U.S. Pat. In such a design, a second circuit board is coupled to the first circuit board and spaced apart from the first circuit board to support a plurality of electronic components that implement data transfer to the port and data from the port transmission. These first and second circuit boards are supported as an interconnecting pair along with an operational indicator on the second circuit board, which is typically in the form of a light emitting diode (LED). The two boards, their sockets, and the terminations form an integral component that supports the electronic components required for all 24 ports of the patch panel. So the relevant electronic components support the two boards. If the user needs to repair an electronic component or replace any of the patch panels, then all of the 24 ports of the patch panel must be removed.

In addition, replacing a data outlet or even one due to a failure or upgrade The LEDs of the indicator require that all of the support boards be disassembled to allow the defective socket or LED to be removed. This takes longer than desired and the structurally negative effect of this is that it becomes almost impossible to effectively upgrade the patch panel because all patch panel components must be removed to remove a single socket or Other parts. The socket is also supported by the first circuit board in such a way that the termination of the cable must be handled carefully to avoid any excessive pressing forces being applied to the first circuit board. Moreover, with such a configuration, the user must purchase all of the necessary components for all 24 ports of the patch panel, and the user cannot easily start with a few ports and subsequently increase the capability of the patch panel. As companies grow, this will reduce the already existing limited budget for companies seeking to increase their IT capabilities. The structure shown in patent US Pat. No. 8,251,707 is not modular and cannot be replaced by a smaller, discrete set. This is a disadvantage of a conventional patch panel assembly.

As noted above, another conventional chip board structure (as described above, wherein the data socket and termination block are mounted directly to a first circuit board or a monolithic circuit board component) is another disadvantage Careful and careful use of specialized tools may be required to properly terminate the termination of multiple wires of the data cable without transferring excessive termination forces to the first circuit board. Similarly, since the sockets are affixed to the first circuit board, these conventional patch panel systems do not provide any "plug" characteristics of the socket, ie, after the wires of the cable are terminated to the socket, an installer can Just plug each socket independently into a pedestal to repair, replace or upgrade seat.

The circuit board used on the above wiring board not only extends over the entire width of the wiring board, but also supports components for all ports of the wiring board. Failure of components associated with ports of one or more patch panels requires removal of the entire board and often also requires replacement of the board. This is costly when not all ports on the patch panel fail or require attention. The known patch panel assembly described above does not allow for a separate port for repair or replacement, but only for the circuit board and the electronic components mounted on the board. As a result, some people will appreciate the improvements on a patch panel assembly.

Thus, a patch panel assembly is provided having an improved modular construction and replaceable circuit boards and port receptacles associated with each set of ports, which facilitates upgrade and repair of the patch panels.

Thus, there is provided a novel pedestal connector or bezel for an associated patch panel, wherein the cradle receives a plurality of data receptacles in a set of openings in a pluggable manner and The inclusion of the circuit board in another set of openings advantageously reduces the time required to upgrade or replace a portion of a patch panel. Further, a patch panel having an associated light pipe component is provided, the patch panel including a pedestal that supports the light pipe support as a receiving end of the light pipe and an LED supported on the circuit board The circuit board is capable of being inserted into the opening for the circuit board.

Further, there is provided an improved data socket for a wiring board having a structure that allows the socket to be releasably mounted in a base within the wiring board, wherein the socket has a plurality of An external terminal for connecting to a circuit on an associated circuit board by interconnecting a plurality of terminals supported on the base. An electronic module is also provided and can be easily inserted into and removed from the patch panel assembly of the present application, wherein the module includes a circuit board that supports various placements for monitoring patch cords and the network. The circuit-connected electronic component, the module further includes a cover plate and a substrate, the cover plate and the substrate are assembled together in a spaced manner with a locking mechanism to keep the circuit board in place a frame of the base of the wiring board.

Thus, there is also provided a patch panel assembly that supports a panel and one or more pedestals that engage the panel, wherein the pedestal includes a plurality of openings for the data socket and a plurality of openings for the circuit board, wherein The circuit board opening is disposed in the patch panel assembly under the socket opening, and the patch panel assembly has a cable manager, and the cable manager maintains a space behind the panel Wherein the cable manager and the socket are maintained at a predetermined height, the height being defined by a recess under the cable manager and the socket such that the module containing the circuit board is The patch panel assembly can be inserted and removed as necessary without interferingly contacting the socket in the socket opening or the cable terminating the socket.

According to an embodiment described below of the present application, an improved A patch panel assembly that facilitates the upgrading, replacement, and repair of patch panel assemblies. The patch panel has a frame that supports a panel of a patch panel that houses a plurality of ports. A plurality of pedestals are disposed in a frame that is assembled to the patch panel, each pedestal being configured to support a particular number of ports. The plurality of pedestals each include means for engaging the frame to align the plurality of pedestals in alignment with the panels of the patch panel. Preferably, the base includes a plurality of first openings and a plurality of second openings. The plurality of first openings are aligned along a first axis and the plurality of second openings are aligned along a second axis. The plurality of first openings and the second opening are spaced apart from each other, and preferably, the first axis and the second axis are generally parallel to each other. The first opening of the base houses a separate socket, and the second opening is sized to receive a mating end of the circuit board. The first opening has a vertical axis and the second opening has a horizontal axis.

Preferably, the base is configured to receive a quantity of data sockets (such as 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 or 24 data sockets) in the first opening of the base. The base includes a clip or a tab formed near the first opening thereof, the buckle or the elastic piece extending into the first opening to a certain extent to be opposite to the data socket Partially joined. Preferably, the second opening is in the form of a socket and is configured to receive a mating blade portion of one or more circuit boards. In order to connect the circuit of the circuit board to a wire terminated with the socket, the base includes a set of terminals supported in an inserted form such that the terminal has a plurality of a set of free ends in which the contact pads are aligned, the terminals further including the information A second set of free ends of the terminals of the socket are aligned. a terminal of the base supports insertion of the terminal between the data socket and the circuit board on the base, and a tail portion of the terminal has a preloaded elastic structure, the elastic structure allows The terminal accommodates dimensional changes of the socket and the circuit board. A first opening of the base is used to align the socket to the circuit board to ensure a secure connection between the socket and the circuit board.

The one or more circuit boards are also provided with a plurality of electronic components for data transfer, and the circuit board can be made in width to match the number of the circuit boards in number to the associated second openings of the base. In this regard, the patch panel assembly of the present application has a modular feature in that the base and the circuit board are matable together via the number of receptacles that the patch panel receives. For example, a 24-port patch panel can include six pedestals each housing four sockets and six circuit boards that are respectively coupled to a single pedestal. Such a patch panel can be seen as having six independent modules. Similarly, if only three pedestals each housing 8 sockets are provided, then the wiring board requires only three boards. The circuit board includes a docking blade profile at its end that is inserted into the second opening of the base. The other end of the terminal of the pedestal is placed across the surface of the circuit board and is in contact with circuitry on the circuit board through an array of contact pads.

Preferably, the circuit boards used in the patch panel assembly of the present application are held together in the form of a module. That is, the circuit board is held between the top cover member and the bottom cover member in the enclosure and penetrates the nut post or the like with the illustrated top cover member and the bottom cover member. Interspersed. The top cover member and the bottom cover member may be supported by a backing bar that extends the width of the circuit board. Preferably, the back beam has one or more engaging hooks associated therewith, the engaging hooks will engage opposite slots of the frame of the patch panel to enable the circuit board module to be effectively The locking is in place for the circuit board module to engage with the terminal block frame and the circuit board module to be mated with the base of the terminal block. The back beam acts as a handle to allow the user to insert and remove selected individual boards into and out of the patch panel assembly without having to remove any other boards or sockets.

Alternatively and preferably, a single circuit board can be used in place of multiple circuit boards that span multiple pedestals. Therefore, if the user wishes to build his patch panel slowly until he has 24 ports, he can initially purchase and install a module that includes a base, a circuit board, and the base. A socket that can accommodate a quantity. When the user wishes to expand his patch panel, he can purchase one or more additional modules and, in effect, "insert" the additional module into place without having to place the wiring in place The connection between the socket of the board and the previously installed module is broken. This structure allows for a quick upgrade, just adding additional sockets. If a user wants to upgrade one or more modules of his entire patch panel or patch panel, he can easily remove existing sockets and boards and replace them with upgraded sockets and boards. There is no need to disassemble any significant portions of the patch panel assembly. Therefore, the patch panel assembly described herein provides "smart" that is more efficient and less expensive to maintain and install. Wiring board.

In another embodiment of the present application, an improved data outlet is provided. The socket includes an outer metal housing or an outer plastic housing defining a hollow interior in which the plurality of terminals and an insulative housing portion are received. The plurality of terminals are coupled to an internal circuit board and a circuit on the internal circuit board that leads to an insulated piercing terminal (IDT), and preferably the terminals extend in opposite directions in two sets. Preferably, the inner circuit board is vertically oriented within the base and provides an interconnection between the contact terminals of the socket and the IDT tail terminals of the socket. Advantageously, the internal circuit board further has a series of third or external terminals connected to the internal circuit board, and the external terminals include a tail extending from the body portion of the socket and extending outside the housing of the socket . The socket has an integrated structure that allows multiple wires of the cable to be terminated to the socket in an easy manner using standard depressing tools.

The housing of the data socket is disposed to be received in the first opening of the base, and the tail portion of the external terminal has a free elastic end and is aligned with an end of the insertion terminal of the base. In this manner, when the socket is inserted into its assigned first opening, the tail of the external terminal of the socket will contact the insertion terminal of the base and thereby be connected to a selected circuit on the circuit board. The socket further includes one or more resilient tabs or stops that define a reaction surface of the receptacle engageable with a snap element formed in the first opening of the base. The snap element is arranged such that it is the opposite The side has a contact surface such that a tool can be used to release the buckle engaged with the socket from the front or rear of the terminal block and free the socket from within the first opening of the base. In this manner, the socket is releasably held in place in the first opening of the base in a secure manner so that the socket and the base can be easily implemented using a screwdriver or other knife-type tool The release of the joint between the seats. The socket can also be upgraded, replaced or repaired in the field without reconnecting the patch panel assembly.

The patch panel is provided with a plurality of ground clips to ensure reliable ground contact between the socket and the panel of the patch panel. The side walls of the first opening of the base prevent significant lateral movement of the socket, and the top and bottom walls of the first opening prevent work free of the socket in the vertical direction. The housing of the socket may include one or more shoulders that face and contact opposing surfaces on the base to limit insertion of the socket into the first opening of the base degree. Internally, as another embodiment, the socket has an insertion-activated switch, the switch including a terminal contact extending upwardly at an angle within the opening of the socket, and when the plug When inserted into the opening of the socket, the terminal contact portion is depressed to contact the other terminal contact portion. This provides a means of detecting the continuity and continuity between a particular port and its associated socket.

In still another embodiment of the present application, the patch panel frame is configured as a The pedestal holds the socket at a distance above the opening for the circuit board in the socket opening of the pedestal. A cable manager supporting a series of network cables is disposed laterally extending relative to the patch panel assembly and maintained at the same height as the socket. The cable manager also supports the outlet cable at a height that is the same as the height of the outlet. In this manner, a clearance is defined below the socket, the gap being defined such that the circuit board module can be inserted or removed as desired. The recess accommodates the module to a certain extent to implement replacement of the module without interfering with a socket associated with the module.

In still another embodiment of the present application, a plurality of light pipes are disposed to extend between the circuit board and a front panel of the wiring board. The light pipes are part of an overall status indicating system of the patch panel and are illuminated by a plurality of LEDs disposed on a circuit board of the patch panel. In order to retain valuable space, the base is provided with channels associated with each of the first openings. The channel extends longitudinally through the base of the base and extends below the first and second openings of the base. The light guide has opposite receiving ends and transmitting ends. The receiving end of the light pipe is aligned with the LED positioned on the circuit board and preferably aligned with the bottom surface of the LED. The transmission end is aligned with a first opening in the panel of the patch panel and extends through a first opening of the panel panel of the wiring and is associated with a particular port of the panel of the patch panel. A passage of the base receiving the light pipe may be in communication with the second opening such that the receiving end of the light pipe is placed as flat as possible against the LED.

The transmission end of the light pipe extends within the respective cavity in alignment with the first opening below the base. The light pipe may have an offset structure such that the transmission end of the light pipe abuts against the bottom surface of the front cavity of the base. In addition to the height of the second opening of the base, preferably, the other ends of the base insertion terminal are in the form of cantilevered resilient arms to apply a downward pressure together to be inserted into the base. Either circuit board, and this pressure helps to ensure that the receiving end of the light pipe contacts the LED of the circuit board. The LED and the input end of the light pipe are disposed within the terminal block frame such that the circuit board module is simply inserted and the terminal block frame is engaged such that the LED and the light pipe input end pair Precisely, to be used against the joint.

The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present application will become apparent from the Detailed Description.

30‧‧‧Wiring board assembly

31‧‧‧Wiring board

31a‧‧‧Port

32‧‧‧Frame

32a‧‧‧Installation side

32b‧‧‧Nuts

32c‧‧‧Installation bolts

33‧‧‧ panel

33a‧‧‧ front

33b‧‧‧ top

34‧‧‧Substrate

34a‧‧ slots

35‧‧‧Substrate

35a‧‧‧ top board

35b‧‧‧ stop surface

35c‧‧‧ openings

36‧‧‧Circuit board module

36a‧‧‧ Grounding shrapnel

36b‧‧‧ recess

Section 36c‧‧‧

37‧‧‧End board

37a‧‧‧handle

37c‧‧‧Perforation

38‧‧‧ Cover

39‧‧‧ joint end

39a‧‧‧Hooks

39b‧‧‧ stop surface

40‧‧‧Cable Manager

40a‧‧‧Support matrix

41‧‧‧ slots

42‧‧‧ openings

43‧‧‧ openings

43a‧‧‧Mounting screws

44‧‧‧ openings

46‧‧‧Base

46a‧‧‧Grounding buckle

47‧‧‧screw boss

43a‧‧‧screw

49‧‧‧ nuts

50‧‧‧ Body Department

50a‧‧‧ bottom

52‧‧‧ side wall

54‧‧‧Upper beam

55‧‧‧First opening

56‧‧‧second opening

56a, 56b‧‧‧ openings

58‧‧‧ partition board

59‧‧‧Edge

60‧‧‧Positioning column

61a, 61b‧‧‧ openings

62‧‧‧Terminal group

63‧‧‧ terminals

64‧‧‧Central Maintenance Department

65‧‧‧First tail

650‧‧‧Flexible arm

65a‧‧‧Contacts

66‧‧‧second tail

660‧‧‧Flexible arm

72‧‧‧Snap components

73‧‧‧Free end

74‧‧‧Bevel

74b‧‧‧hook plane

76‧‧‧ shoulder

77‧‧‧Slots

80‧‧‧ channel

81‧‧‧The second half

82‧‧‧ first half

86‧‧‧Circuit board

87‧‧‧ leading edge

89‧‧‧Docking blade type

90‧‧‧Contact pads

91‧‧‧ slots

92‧‧‧ Nut column

92a‧‧‧Threaded pipe

93‧‧‧ Screw

94a‧‧‧Electronic components

94b‧‧‧Connector

95‧‧‧ diaphragm

95a‧‧‧ leading edge

95b‧‧‧Contact Wing

96‧‧‧ upper surface

98‧‧‧ bottom

100‧‧‧LED

100a‧‧‧ display surface

101‧‧‧Support Department

102‧‧‧Light pipes

105‧‧‧ input

106‧‧‧output

108‧‧‧ Groove

110‧‧‧ socket

112‧‧‧Internal frame components

113‧‧‧ boards

113a‧‧‧ Guide hole

114‧‧‧Terminal

114a‧‧‧ stop surface

114b‧‧‧ block

115‧‧‧IDT terminal

115a‧‧‧ tail

116‧‧‧terminal

116a‧‧‧Free end

116b‧‧‧Support board

117‧‧‧ comb

118‧‧‧ socket

120‧‧‧Internal switching elements

120a‧‧‧ horizontal board

121‧‧‧First terminal

122‧‧‧second terminal

122a‧‧‧ front end

124‧‧‧ front cover

125‧‧‧ card block

126‧‧‧Back cover

127‧‧‧opening

128‧‧‧Cable clamp

129‧‧‧ hook

130‧‧‧stop block

132‧‧‧stop shoulder

133‧‧‧ positioning ribs

138‧‧‧External terminals

139‧‧‧ tail

140‧‧‧Contacts

140a‧‧‧Front front

A1‧‧‧ first common axis

A2‧‧‧ second common axis

I1, I2‧‧‧ dotted line

The structure and operation of the structure and operation of the present application, as well as further objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of the appended claims. 1 is a perspective view of a network patch panel incorporating a plurality of improvements in accordance with the present application; FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the network patch panel of FIG. 1; and FIG. 3 is a network patch panel of FIG. An exploded view of a compartment; Figure 4 is a front elevational view of the network patch panel of Figure 3; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the compartment of the network patch panel of Figure 3 as viewed from the rear, but the socket is removed for clarity; Figure 6 is a diagram Figure 5 is a rear view of the compartment of the network patch panel of Figure 5 taken along line 7-7; Figure 8 is the network patch panel of Figure 5 A front view of the frame member of the compartment; FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the frame member of FIG. 8 taken along line 9-9; FIG. 10 is a side view of the compartment of a network patch panel showing how a socket housing Inserting a compartment of the network patch panel; Figure 11 is a top view of the compartment of a network patch panel in which no socket is in place and the circuit board of the network patch panel is spaced and aligned with the frame component; 12 is a bottom plan view of a portion of a circuit board of the network patch panel assembly of the present application; FIG. 13 is an enlarged detailed cross-sectional view of the compartment of a network patch panel, showing alignment for inserting a a set of data sockets in the corresponding base member and also showing the insertion of the base of the contacts connecting the terminals of the socket to the circuit board Figure 14 is a perspective view of the compartment of the network patch panel as viewed from above, wherein the corresponding socket of the compartment has been installed; Figure 15 is an exploded view of a portion of the compartment of the network patch panel of Figure 14; 16 is a stand of the network wiring board of FIG. 14 viewed from a different angle FIG. 17 is an enlarged detailed cross-sectional view showing the interconnection between the frame member, the socket, and the circuit board of the network patch panel assembly of the present application; FIG. 18 is a network wiring board used in the present application; FIG. 19 is an exploded view of the socket of FIG. 18; FIG. 20 is a side view of the exploded socket of FIG. 19; FIG. 21A is a perspective view of the internal components of the socket of FIG. 21B is a side view of the internal components of the socket of FIG. 21A; FIG. 22 is a perspective view of a circuit board module of a wiring board in accordance with the principles of the present application, the circuit board module being aligned with the frame of a wiring board and being inserted into the wiring Figure 22A is a cross-sectional view of the circuit board module of Figure 22 taken along line AA of Figure 22; Figure 23 is an exploded view of the circuit board module, circuit board module Figure 24A is a horizontal cross-sectional view of the frame and base assembly of a terminal block; Figure 24B is the same view as Figure 24A, but one of the circuit board modules is aligned with the frame of a terminal block on which a base is mounted; The group is inserted into the groove of the frame (nest); and Figure 24C is The same view as Figure 24B, but with one of the sockets in place within the frame and a portion of the circuit board module shown by dashed lines.

While the present invention may be susceptible to various embodiments, the embodiments are illustrated in the drawings and the detailed description It is not intended to limit the application to the drawings shown herein.

Thus, a reference to a feature or aspect is intended to illustrate a feature or aspect of an example of the application, and does not suggest that each embodiment of the application must have the features or aspects described. Moreover, it should be noted that the specification lists a number of features. While certain features have been combined to illustrate potential system designs, those features are also applicable to other combinations not explicitly disclosed. Accordingly, the illustrated combinations are not intended to be limiting, unless otherwise indicated.

In the embodiments shown in the figures, the directions (such as up, down, left, right, front and back) used to explain the structure and motion of the various components in the present application are relative rather than absolute. These indications are appropriate when the component is in the position shown in the figure. However, if the description of the position of the part changes, these direction indications will also change accordingly.

Various embodiments are described herein. For example, these embodiments include, but are of course not limited to, a patch panel assembly having a plurality of modular features, an interconnected base for the network patch panel, a data receptacle having a plurality of external terminals, Network A light guide component of the patch panel, a patch panel frame having a module receiving recess, and a plurality of circuit board modules for the patch panel assembly. The following is a general description of these embodiments, as a more detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Patch panel assembly having a plurality of modular features: An improved patch panel assembly includes a frame and panel that interfaces with a base, and the base defines a plurality of separate communication ports. The pedestal is mounted on the patch panel frame and includes a plurality of socket openings for accommodating a plurality of data sockets and a plurality of circuit board openings for accommodating the mating blade portions of the plurality of circuit boards. The two sets of openings are spaced apart on the pedestal at an intervening spacing and the plurality of interposer sets are arranged to electrically interconnect the plurality of receptacles with circuitry on the plurality of circuit boards. The pedestals of the patch panels may be formed in different groups such that the patch panels may have ports grouped together in terms of bandwidth, storage capacity, etc., if desired. Since the base is mounted on the patch panel frame, the socket and the circuit board can be easily and independently replaced, repaired or upgraded with similar components without disassembling the patch panel.

An interconnecting base for a network patch panel: a base for receiving and interconnecting components of a patch panel assembly includes a body portion having a plurality of first openings configured to A plurality of data sockets are releasably received therein; and a plurality of second openings are provided to receive the mating blade portions of the plurality of circuit boards. The plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings are aligned together in different rows such that the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings are spaced apart from one another. In order to Terminals of the plurality of data sockets are interconnected with circuits on the plurality of circuit boards, and a plurality of conductive terminals are disposed on and supported by the body portion of the base. The plurality of terminal locations are between the plurality of first openings and the plurality of second openings, each of the plurality of terminals including a free end extending toward the opening such that the socket and the circuit board The insertion causes the free end of the terminal to be in contact with the socket and the circuit board and electrically connected to each other.

Data Socket with Multiple External Terminals: An improved communication socket is provided to reduce the time to repair, replace, and upgrade components of the network patch panel. The socket includes an outer metal housing that is sized to be mounted to a first opening of a base of the terminal block. The housing of the socket includes one or more stop faces that engage a snap element on the base that extends into the first opening. The socket has an inner hollow cavity that houses a plurality of conductive terminals that interface with a data plug inserted into the socket. A resilient terminal is disposed within the cavity of the socket and flexes under the pressure of an inserted plug to contact the other terminal and produce a signal that the plug has been inserted. The socket further includes a plurality of terminals extending to the outside of the base and in contact with a plurality of terminals supported by the base of the patch panel.

Light pipe assembly for a plurality of network patch panels: A light pipe structure, particularly for a plurality of network patch panels, includes at least one pedestal that defines a communication port of a preselected number of patch panels. The base has a plurality of separate openings for receiving a plurality of separate data receptacles and a common opening for receiving one or more docking blade portions of a circuit board. Each pedestal has its circuit board receiving opening in its socket opening A plurality of channels below the group and housing and supporting the plurality of light pipes are disposed on the base. The channel is in communication with the circuit board receiving opening, such that when the circuit board is inserted into the circuit board receiving opening of the base, the transmitting end of the light pipe can face the light emitted on the circuit board Diode. The display end of the light pipe can be disposed below a separate patch panel port.

A patch panel frame having a module receiving recess: A patch panel assembly having a frame structure including a panel, a substrate, a socket base, and a cable manager. The base has a plurality of first openings for a plurality of sockets and a plurality of second openings for a plurality of circuit boards. The second opening is located below the first opening such that any one of the boards can be inserted or removed without having to remove other boards. In addition, the plurality of sockets are maintained at a certain level within the patch panel frame, and the cables associated with them are also the same, that is, the cables managed by a cable manager are in the patch panel frame. A similar level above the substrate. This height difference defines a recess for receiving the circuit board module, the circuit board module being inserted and removed in a pluggable form.

A circuit board module for a plurality of patch panel assemblies: A patch panel assembly having a frame structure including a panel, a substrate, a socket base, and a cable manager. The base has a plurality of first openings for a plurality of sockets and a plurality of second openings for a plurality of circuit boards. The circuit board is supported in a module, and the module includes a correspondingly bonded cover plate and a substrate defining a modular enclosure. The nut is in the column The circuit board can be easily inserted into and/or removed from an orientation of the second opening of the base of the patch panel to support the circuit board within the module.

1 through 2 illustrate a patch panel assembly 30 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present application, the patch panel assembly 30 having an improved structure when the patch panel assembly 30 is used in connection with a data communication network Can provide beneficial results. The patch panel assembly 30 includes a patch panel 31 that includes an elongated frame 32 having an associated elongated panel 33 that extends across the frame in a widthwise manner. As shown, the frame 32 of the patch panel can include a rearwardly extending substrate or base 34 that defines a floor or socket into which a module component 36 can be received. The panel 33 and the substrate 34 may be integrally formed as shown, or may be separately formed and joined together in a conventional manner such as by screws, nuts, collets, or the like.

The panel 33 of the patch panel extends in two directions. The panel 33 includes a front portion 33a facing outwardly and having port identification features (such as numerals, symbols, etc.) and a top portion 33b bent from the front portion 33a to extend rearward from the front portion 33a. The top portion 33b can also be considered as a retainer bar or retaining element because it includes a plurality of stop faces and openings that are configured to be satisfactory in shape as described in more detail below (complimentary The joining elements or the housing 46 of the terminal block are joined.

A cable manager 40 is set and as shown in the figure As shown, the cable manager 40 extends laterally between the two mounting ends 32a of the frame 32 of the patch panel. As shown, the mounting end 32a can be bent inwardly and the cable manager 40 can be secured to the nut 32b by A mounting bolt 32c. As shown, the cable manager 40 is offset from the rear of the patch panel assembly 30 and preferably raised relative to the patch panel 32 to define that a cable (not shown) coupled to the receptacle 110 can travel through a horizontal space. The cable manager 40 has a serrated end structure having a plurality of slots 41 formed therein for supporting cables terminated to the patch panel receptacle 110. A circuit board module 36 is shown as being structurally rectangular and disposed to at least partially surround a circuit board 86 associated with a particular portion of the patch panel assembly 30. The circuit board module 36 includes a substrate or bottom cover 35, a top plate or cover member 35a, and an end plate 37 that together define a hollow enclosure for the circuit board 86 of the patch panel assembly 30 of the present application.

The end plate 37 encloses the rear end of the circuit board module 36 and may also be disposed to define a handle 37a through which the user can easily insert and remove the circuit board module 36 from their position in the terminal block frame. The board with the pedestal is joined by an opening 56. The top plate 35a extends over a portion of the circuit board 86 for the patch panel assembly 30 and provides a means of protecting the electronic components that support and connect to the circuit board 86.

A standoff 92 in the form of a threaded tube 92a (Fig. 22A) is provided to support the circuit board 86 above the substrate 35 and to remove the circuit board 86 from the top plate 35a can also be used to mate with the recess 36b formed on the circuit board module 36. A corresponding screw 93 engages the threaded tube 92a to properly orient the circuit board 86 to a height within the circuit board module 36 that is adapted to securely engage the base 46. The leading edge of the circuit board projects outwardly from the interior of the circuit board module 36 and the circuit board 86 extends between the leading edge of the substrate 35 and the leading edge of the top plate 35a and beyond the leading edge of the substrate 35 and the leading edge of the top plate 35a until The circuit board of the base 46 with the patch panel is aligned and engaged with the opening 56.

The circuit board 86 of the patch panel assembly 30 is positioned above and spaced apart from the substrate 34 of 30 and may include not only electronic components 94a (such as amplifiers, logic gates, controllers, etc.) but also top surfaces supported on the circuit board 86. And/or one or more connectors 94b on the bottom surface 98. The connector 94b can extend vertically or horizontally as shown, and thus, the top plate 35a and the end plate 37 are provided with an opening 35c or a perforation 37c that allows the socket portion of the connector 94b to enter and exit. As best seen in Figures 11 and 16, these connectors 94b provide a means of connecting the circuitry of circuit board 86.

Although a single circuit board 86 is shown, it will be understood that the structure of the patch panel assembly used in the present application will allow for the use of multiple circuit boards, depending on the needs of the system designer. In this case, multiple circuit boards may be associated with the base 46 of a single or multiple patch panel assemblies. Such a structure would allow an increased, drop-in expansion of the system operator, where the system operator can plug in additional boards 86 to increase system capacity, etc. instead of removing and replacing a single Circuit board. Such multiple boards can be associated with their respective individual patch panel The base 46 of the piece is associated, or such a plurality of circuit boards may be associated with a plurality of (e.g., two or three) terminal blocks 46 of the patch panel assembly.

Due to the difference in length between the circuit board 86, the substrate 35 and the top plate 35a, the metal substrate 35 of the circuit board module 36 cannot cover all the electronic components 94a supported by the circuit board 86, so a protective cover in the form of a Mylar diaphragm 95 is used. A cover in the form of a film or the like is provided as a cover sheet as shown in FIGS. 14 to 16. The leading edge 95a of the diaphragm can be bent downward to define a contact flap 95b between the electronic component 94a of the circuit board 86 and the terminal 63 of the base 46 of the patch panel and thereby provide protection against accidental shorting. An insulation measure (Figures 10-11 and 24C). As shown in Figures 22A and 24C, the substrate 35 can include an upturned stop surface 35b that prevents the circuit board module 36 from over-traveling during insertion. The stopper surface 35b is formed by bending the front portion of the substrate 35 upward to face the opposite surface of the insulating portion of the base 46 of the wiring board. The height of these stop faces 35b is selected (if over-inserted) to engage the insulative body portion of the base 46 of the patch panel rather than the conductive terminals 63 held on the base 46.

The cable manager 40 is offset in the vertical direction to define a working space for the cable to move laterally behind it and below its slot 41. The cable manager 40 is also spaced a predetermined height above the substrate 34 of the frame of the patch panel to define a recess 108 of the circuit board module 36 within the frame 32 of the patch panel. This groove also includes the upper surface of the substrate 35 of the frame of the wiring board and the bottom surface of the socket 110 and cable management The vertical distance NH between the bottom surfaces of the support base 40a (Fig. 7). This distance NH is greater than the height of the board module 36 and thereby allows the board module 36 to be inserted into and out of the patch panel 31 without interfering with or interfering with any of the sockets 110 or any portion of the frame 32 of the patch panel. The board module 36 is loaded into the recess 108 of the frame of the patch panel in a manner that slides over the substrate 34 of the frame of the patch panel. The circuit board module 36 also preferably includes means for engaging the frame of the patch panel and, as shown, may include an integrally formed engagement end 39 as a side end of the end plate 37 of the circuit board module 36. These engagement ends 39 include lengthwise oriented hooks 39a defined thereon. The hook portion 39a is opposed to a corresponding opposing slot 34a formed on the base plate 34 of the frame of the wiring board. The hook portion 39a has a flat stop surface 39b that engages with the facing stop faces 34b of the slot 34a of the substrate.

In order to provide a ground contact, the circuit board module 36 is also provided with a grounding spring 36a extending longitudinally along the sidewall of the frame 32 of the terminal block. As shown in Fig. 23, the grounding elastic piece 36a is elongated and longitudinally extended. The grounding spring 36a includes two portions 36c that are outwardly bowed out and in contact with the inner side walls of the frame 32 of the wiring board. These grounding springs 36a will also be in contact with adjacent circuit board modules 36. The circuit board module 36 can have two side walls along its opposite sides as shown in Figures 1 and 2, and the end plate 37, associated handle 37a and cable manager 40 extend between the two side walls. . Based on forward viewing, the right side wall is not shown in Figures 3, 5-6, 11 and 22-23 for clarity.

As best shown in Figure 2, the frame 32 of the patch panel includes rectangular slots as shown A plurality of openings 42 that extend laterally within the panel 33. The slots are configured to receive one or more bases 46 for dividing the opening 42 into a plurality of different sets of separate patch panel ports 31a, the ports 31a being configured to receive a network cable (not shown) ) The plug end. In this regard, the pedestals 46 can be specifically sized to define ports for N patch panels, where N is typically selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, or 24. The number can be evenly divided into a standard number (ie 24) of patch panel ports. As such, if the panel 33 of the patch panel is provided with four openings 42, the pedestal 46 that interfaces with the opening 42 will include six first openings 55 that will form the ports 31a of the respective slot openings 42. Likewise, six slot openings 42 will each receive four first openings 55 of respective pedestals 46.

The panel 33 can also include a plurality of other auxiliary openings, one of which is an opening 43 that receives a mounting screw 43a that extends through the panel and is received in a complementary threaded opening formed in the base 46. Other types of openings 44 may be dedicated as an indication opening for receiving the output of the light pipe 102, and the output of the light pipe 102 indicates an indication of the state of the port 31a and/or a data transmission channel of a network. Other openings for engaging the clips may also be provided, the clips holding a cover 38 in place on the housing screws. The top portion 33b of the panel extends rearwardly from the top of the panel 33 and includes different openings 61a, 61b that engage different portions of the base 46 when the components of the patch panel are fully assembled.

In order to provide a modular feature to the patch panel assembly 30 of the present application (This reduces the time for the board, repair, and assembly of the patch panel of the present application), and the slot 42 of the panel has a set width that accommodates a predetermined number N of ports 31a of the patch panel 31. The base 46 is configured to engage the slots 42 and the base 46 is not only used to subdivide the slot 42 of the panel into the ports 31a of the plurality of separate patch panels, but also to provide the receptacle 110 and circuit board to be used for the patch panel assembly 30. 86 A structure that is housed and interconnected.

Each base 46 has a body portion 50 that is preferably formed of an insulative material. The body portion 50 of the base has a plurality of bosses 47 for threaded screws, and the bosses 47 for screws allow the base 46 to be attached to the face plate 33 of the terminal block by passing the screws 48 and nuts 49 connected to each other. A plurality of vertical side walls 52 are supported on the body portion 50 of the base and together define a plurality of hollow first openings 55 that are configured to receive the data receptacle 110 therein. An upper cross member 54 extends laterally and engages a portion of the top portion 33b of the panel. A second opening 56 that receives the leading edge 87 of the associated circuit board 86 is disposed on the base 46. As shown, these second openings 56 extend substantially horizontally relative to the vertical direction in which the first opening 55 extends. If the dotted lines I1, I2 are drawn from the centers of the first opening and the second opening, as shown in Fig. 7, the broken lines I1, I2 will intersect each other. The plurality of first openings 55 may be aligned along a first common axis A1 made through their center, while the second openings 56 may preferably be aligned along a second common axis A2 made through their center. Preferably, the two axes are parallel to the substrate 34 of the frame.

The second opening 56 can be subdivided into a plurality of pairs of openings 56a, 56b through a dividing plate 58. The partition plate 58 is in the form of a vertical wall and faces the butt blade formed on the circuit board A slot 91 of the profile 89 provides a polarization aspect for the combination of the base and the circuit board such that the circuit board 86 is inserted into the second opening 56 in only one and the correct direction. . As shown in FIG. 5 and FIG. 6, a ground clip 53a may be provided for the base 46 of the patch panel. The ground clip 46a extends into the first opening 55 of the base to establish a frame 32 and a panel of the patch panel. 33 and a redundant ground contact between the sockets 110.

The upper cross member 54 of the panel 33 includes a different set of openings 61b, wherein a set of square openings 61a are shown to receive a positioning stud 60 formed on the upper cross member 54 of the base. The other rectangular opening 61b extends in the axial direction (front and rear) to accommodate the snap member 72 of the base 46. The snap element 72 is cantilevered in its configuration to define a free end 73, which in the embodiment described herein is shown extending rearward. If desired, the snap element 72 can be trimmed to extend forward. The cantilevered structure of the snap element provides it with sufficient flexibility to selectively engage or disengage the socket 110. The snap element 72 extends axially within these other openings 61b such that the snap element 72 can be actuated from the front or rear of the panel 33 of the patch panel to disengage the snap element 72 from the receptacle 110.

As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the free end 73 of the snap element has a ramp 74 that allows the snap element 72 to slide up onto the block 125. The block 125 is preferably formed as part of the front cover 124 of the receptacle 110 and is disposed The upper surface of the socket 110. These blocks 125 also have a beveled surface 125a as their front surface, which facilitates the self-locking element Lifted by the end 73 on the block 125. The block 125 further includes a rear stop face 125b, which is preferably a vertically extending plane. These rear stop faces 125b face and engage the hook-shaped planes 74b of the free ends 73 of the snap elements to prevent the sockets 110 from disengaging from their position in the base 46 where they engage the base 46. The front face of the snap element 72 can include a slot 75 or similarly configured component that allows a user to insert a tool (such as a screwdriver) into the other opening 61b of the retainer of the patch panel and engage the snap member 72. In this manner, the user can lift the snap element 72 to disengage the hook plane 74b from the latch 125 of the socket and the receptacle 110 can be withdrawn from the first opening 55 of the base 46.

Although the hook-plane combination of the clip-receiving elements of the socket provides sufficient retention of the socket 110 on the base 46, the base 46 may also include a slot 77 for providing additional securing. 77 extends horizontally and is disposed on the side wall 52 of the base 46. These side wall slots 77 are configured to receive opposing locating ribs 133 that are disposed on the sides of the socket 110 and that are shown to project outwardly from the front cover 124 of the socket. The combination of the interengaging slots 77-positioning ribs 133 provides a means of retaining the socket to maintain engagement of the socket 110 with the first opening 55 of the base. Additional structural features of the base 46 that provide means for positioning the receptacle 110 in position within the base 46 include a shoulder 76 that is located on the rear surface of the side wall 52 of the base. These shoulders 76 face and engage opposing vertical stop shoulders 132 disposed on the front cover 124 of the receptacle.

In order to place the base 46 in a preferred orientation in the slot 42 of the patch panel, the base 46 can include a raised edge 59, or the edge 59 can be opposite the base 46. The width is continuous, or the rim 59 can have a discontinuous structure as shown. The rim 59 rests on the trailing edge of the top 33b of the panel 33 of the patch panel. The rim portion 59 of the top of the base may also preferably be spaced apart from the locating post 60 and the snap element 72 of the base to hold (preferably with an interference fit) the ends of the top portion 33b of the panel therebetween. This fit is shown at least in Figures 10 and 14-15.

In an important aspect of the present application, the base 46 of the patch panel assembly 30 is provided with a plurality of conductive terminals 63, which are preferably arranged in different terminal sets 62, wherein each terminal set 62 is pedestal One of the first openings 55 is associated. For each terminal set 62, the terminal 63 includes a central retaining portion 64 that can include an engagement barb that is flanked by a first tail 65 and a second tail 66, respectively. The first tail portion 65 and the second tail portion 66 extend from the opposite ends of the central holding portion 64 in a cantilever manner and extend outward from the opposite ends in an inclined manner so as to pass through the first tail portion 65 and the second portion of the terminal. The two dashed lines made by the longitudinal axis of the tail 66 will intersect at a position behind the central retaining portion 64. To provide improved contact, the first tail portion 65 of the terminal can include contacts 65a of different sizes.

Terminal 63 is held by pedestal 46 such that terminal 63 is interposed between the circuitry on data receptacle 110 and the circuitry on circuit board 86. The terminals are used to provide an electrical connection between the external terminals 138 of the receptacle 110 and the contact pads 90 of the circuit board 86. Due to their cantilever and overall arcuate configuration, the terminals 63 are actually preloaded with an elastic force so that they resist the vertical forces acting on them and ensure that the terminal 63 and the opposing components are Reliable contact between the two. In this regard, and as shown in Figures 10, 13, and 15-17, the first tail portion 65 of the terminal is aligned with the first opening 55 of the corresponding base, and the second tail portion 66 of the terminal is pedestal with the base The second opening 56 is aligned and further extends into the second opening 56.

The terminal 63 is first positioned on the base 46 in such an arrangement that the second terminal tail 66 extends into the second opening 56 of the base and is aligned with the corresponding contact pad 90, the contact pad 90 being disposed on the circuit board 86 Surface 96 is disposed along leading edge 87 of circuit board 86. The contact pads 90 are also disposed on a plurality of mating blade portions 89 of the circuit board 86 that are separable from each other by the positioning slots 91 of the leading edge of the circuit board, the positioning of the leading edge of the circuit board The slot 91 is engaged with the second opening of the base by a partition plate 58. The second tail portion 66 of the terminal is preferably curved and its free end is generally directed forward so that when the mating blade portion 89 or leading edge 87 of the circuit board is fully inserted into the second opening 56, the contact pad 90 of the circuit board can be brought into contact with the second The contact area of the tail 66, particularly the curved contact portion of the second tail 66.

The first tail portion 65 of the terminal is formed in a similar configuration and includes an elongated curved tail portion having a free end that extends forwardly toward the first opening 55 of the base. As shown, the curved tail portions of the first tail portions 65 can include a series of contact portions 65a having a width that is wider than most of the first tail portions 65. These curved contact portions 65a are positioned on the base 46 opposite the external terminals 138 of the receptacle 110. Their cantilevered structure allows them to be inserted and inserted when the socket is inserted into the first opening 55 of the base The seat 110 is deflected under contact. To allow the first tail portion 65 of the terminal to fully flex under the pressure of the socket 110, the body portion 50 of the base preferably includes a longitudinal slot 53 disposed thereon that is aligned with the first tail portion 65. These slots 53 receive the free end of the first tail portion 65 of the terminal, and the free end of the first tail portion 65 flexes downwardly toward the second tail portion 66 of the terminal when the socket 110 is inserted into the first opening of the base. In this manner, the terminal 63 is retained within the base 46 which acts not only as a support for the receptacle 110 and the circuit board 86 but also as an intervening connector for electrically connecting the receptacle 110 and the circuit board 86 together. .

Patch panel assembly 30 often includes a light pipe for operational status information associated with its port 31a. The circuit board 86 used in the present application has a plurality of LEDs 100 mounted on the support portion 101 on the bottom surface 98. The support portion 101 is supported at a predetermined height with respect to the bottom surface 98 of the circuit board. The LED 100 and its light emitting face are oriented relative to the circuit board 86 and oriented forward relative to the patch panel 31. As best seen in Figures 10 and 13-14, the base 46 can be configured to support a plurality of light pipes 102 associated with the ports 31a of the preselected patch panels 31.

As shown, the light pipe 102 has an offset and slightly S-shaped configuration extending between the ends, one end being the input end 105 (which faces and preferably abuts the display surface 100a of the LED 100) and the other end is Output 106. From the above, the circuit board 86 is supported in the circuit board module 36 at a height such that the LED 100 of the circuit board 86 will abut the light pipe when the circuit board module 36 is inserted into the recess 108 of the frame of the terminal block. Input 105. The output end 106 extends into the corresponding associated indication opening 44 for indication The opening 44 is disposed on the panel 33 of the patch panel associated with the port of the patch panel. The output 106 can then be in communication with the exterior of the patch panel assembly 30 to indicate to the installer, user, technician, etc. (e.g., operational state).

The offset configuration of the light pipe 102 enables its input 105 to be positioned within the patch panel assembly 30 at a lower position than the output 106. The base 46 includes a plurality of independent passages 80 disposed on its body portion 50, and as shown in Figure 13, the passage 80 can include a rear half 81 in the form of a tail slot 81 that communicates with the second portion of the base 46 The opening 56 is shown as a rectangular or square portion. Channel 80 also includes a front half 82, which also takes the form of a square or rectangular channel, with the S-shaped curved portion of light pipe 102 extending within front half 82. Although not shown, the body portion 50 of the base further includes a recess formed in the bottom surface 50a of the body portion 50, and the bottom surface 50a of the body portion 50 engages a portion of the outer surface of the light pipe 102.

The rear portion of the light pipe 102 forming the input end 105 of the light pipe is a square or rectangle that is structurally matched to the rear half 81 of the channel, while the front portion of the light pipe defining the output end 106 of the light pipe is generally cylindrical in configuration. To be specifically mounted into the indication opening 44 of the panel. The LED 100 and its support portion 101 depend downwardly from the bottom surface 98 of the circuit board 86 and are preferably arranged to fit within at least a portion of the rear half 81 of the channel. In this manner, the LED 100 can be placed facing and preferably against the input end 105 of the contact light pipe. The light pipe 102 can illuminate and indicate thereon (such as through color) the state of each port 31a or the end of the data transmission The operation of port 31a.

It can be seen that the base 46 is used to divide the opening 42 of the patch panel assembly 30 and its associated panel into discrete sets of ports 31a, wherein each such port includes a socket opening for the socket, and information inserted therein The socket 110 and a cable terminated to the socket. The number of ports 31a defined by each of the pedestals 46 can be selected by the designer. As described above, the number of ports 31a associated with each of the susceptors 46 in the patch panel assembly of the present application will be selected from the group consisting of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12 or 24. This diversity gives the end user the ability to use high speed ports and low speed ports on the same patch panel assembly 30. It also increases the efficiency of repair, replacement or upgrade of electronic components associated with a particular port or group of ports 31a. Further, it allows the end user to have the ability to easily build their own network by installing only a plurality of pedestals that define all of the ports to the patch panel assembly 30, but to purchase and install an initial number of starts for startup. Socket and associated circuit board multiple boards). The end user can then add additional boards and sockets to the second, third, and subsequent pedestals. This saves on initial startup costs.

Likewise, the patch panel assembly 30 of the present application can be stepped upgraded. The wiring board of the above-mentioned patent US Pat. No. 8,251,707 requires time-consuming removal of two circuit boards for upgrading, repairing, and replacement, which causes the terminal block to be severely shut down. The patch panel assembly of the present application eliminates this deficiency. The socket 110 of the present application is also separately insertable and removable, so that if the repair, replacement or upgrade of the socket must be performed, the socket can be separately It is reasonable to remove the board from any component associated with it.

Turning now to Figures 13 and 17-22, it can be seen that a data receptacle 110 constructed in accordance with the principles of the present application has respective interengaged front covers 124 and a rear cover 126 that together define a receptacle The housing, receptacle housing receives the internal structure of the receptacle 110 and includes a rear opening 127 that receives a terminating end of a multi-conductor cable (not shown) within the receptacle housing. The front cover 124 of the socket includes a pair of latches or stops 130 that engage the elongated hooks 129, which are formed as part of the socket back cover 126. As noted above, the receptacle 110 includes one or more latches 125 disposed on the upper surface of the receptacle 110, and in the Figure, the latches 125 are shown in position on the front cover 124 of the receptacle. A cable clamp 128 that can be resiliently biased is mounted within the rear cover 126 of the receptacle adjacent the rear opening 127 to hold the cable in place relative to the receptacle 110.

The internal components of the socket are shown in Figures 19-20 and include: an inner frame member 112 supporting a circuit board 113 on one side; and a cable termination seat 114 positioned in the other of the frame member 112 side. The IDT terminal 115 is retained within the termination block 114 and the IDT terminal 115 includes a tail portion 115a that contacts the circuit board 113 through a series of vias 113a. The contacts of the IDT terminals extend longitudinally in the cable slots formed on opposite sides of the termination block 114. The other side of the circuit board 113 supports a plurality of terminals 116 that are partially retained by a two-piece clam-shell holder (shown as a terminal comb 117). In place.

The front cover 124 of the socket has a central opening defining a socket 118, the socket 118 is arranged to receive a cable plug (not shown) of a patch panel, and the terminal 116 of the socket extends longitudinally within the socket 118 of the socket and the free end 116a of the terminal 116 is captured in the positioning support plate 116b. Inside the groove or other opening. The terminal 116 of the socket is captured, but the terminal 116 of the socket is free to flex upwardly or downwardly in the vertical direction under the pressure created by the cable plug insertion socket 118. The socket 110 can also include an internal switching element 120 that is shown as supporting a horizontal plate 120a of the two terminals 121,122. The first of the two terminals 121 has a U-shaped structure that preferably extends in a single plane. The second terminal 122 also has a U-shaped configuration but is bent slightly back to itself such that the second terminal 122 extends in two intersecting planes. The two terminals 121, 122 are terminated at their tails to the circuit board 113 of the socket and both extend longitudinally within the socket 118 of the socket. The second terminal 122 is disposed such that it extends in a space defined by the first terminal 121, and the second terminal 122 is slightly inclined upward with respect to the first terminal 121 such that the second terminal 122 is vertically spaced apart from the first terminal 121.

The front end 122a of the second terminal 122 is bent rearwardly at an upward angle as shown to provide a "tang" sound of the cable plug engagement when a cable plug is inserted into the socket 118 of the socket. The cable plug contacts the inclined front end 122a of the second terminal 122 and forces the front end 122a into short-circuit contact with the first terminal 121. The terminals 121, 122 include an internal switch in each of the sockets, the internal switch providing a connection signal to the electronic components of the terminal block, the signal indicating that a cable plug is fully inserted into the socket The socket 118 and the indication are fully connected to the terminal 116 of the socket. If the signal provided by the short-circuit contact merely indicates that the plug is fully inserted, then the port that informs the installer and/or the end user of the patch panel should be active and generate an operational signal. No signal will indicate that the cable or cable plug is damaged, and a signal will indicate that the cable and its plug are intact. When the patch panel assembly 30 of the present application is used for a shielded modular plug, the receptacle 110 includes opposing ground terminals 118a that establish a ground between the opposing plugs and the front cover 124 of the receptacle. The circuit, which takes into account the thorough ground connection.

Importantly, the sockets 110 of the patch panel assembly 30 of the present application are each a separate socket, which means that they can be separate sockets that are selectively inserted and removed from the first opening 55 of the base. As such, the sockets 110 can be terminated to separate associated cables before the installer mounts them to the frame 32 of the patch panel. This is advantageous for similar or identical structures as described in the patent US Pat. No. 8,251,707, in which the housing of the socket is attached to one surface of a circuit board and the termination is connected to the other surface of a circuit board. Such a structure does not allow the use of a punch down tool when both the housing and the termination of the socket are mounted on a circuit board. With the structure of the socket 110 of the present application, the termination seat 114 is held in place in the front cover 124 of the socket via the stop surface 114a, and the stop surface 114a abuts against the stop surface provided in the interior of the front cover 124 of the socket . Additionally, the termination block 114 can include a tab 114b that projects outwardly and is received in a corresponding opening 125a of the front cover 125 of the receptacle. The block 114b can be pressed inward to make it The engagement with the front cover 124 of the socket is released so that the internal components can be removed.

Thus, the termination seat 114 is securely retained within the front cover of the socket and extends rearwardly from the front cover 124 of the socket. A conventional IDT cable termination tool can be used, and because the front cover 125 of the socket is preferably made of metal, it can define a solid reaction surface to resist termination clips or tools in the termination process. There is no need to worry about damaging the circuit board 86 as in the structure of the patent US Pat. In yet another important aspect of the present application, the socket 110 is provided with an external terminal or contact 138 that is configured to contact the first tail portion 65 of the terminal of the base when the socket is inserted into the base 46. These external terminals 138 are terminated at their tails 139 to the inner circuit board 113 and to the terminals 115, 116 of the socket through traces disposed on the circuit board 113. The external terminal 138 has a contact portion 140 at its free end, and the external terminal 138 is shown as having an integral C-shape to define a curved front portion 140a of the contact portion 140 of the terminal. The socket of the curved front portion 140a of the connection terminal will contact the first tail portion 65 of the terminal of the base, and the curved front portion 140a and the contact portion 140 at the free end will preferably contact the first terminal contact portion 65a.

The manner in which a socket 110 is inserted into the first opening 55 of the base 46 of a terminal block is effectively provided between the terminal 116 of the socket and the circuit and electronic components on the circuit board 86 via the terminal 63 placed in the base. A connection path. The cable terminated to the socket 110 is supported by the cable manager 40, and the cable can be supported by weaving it inside or outside the slot 41 of the cable manager. The cable manager 40 maintains the cable in its offset structure at a height above the substrate 34 of the frame that is not lower than NH. To provide clearance, the recess 108 of the frame of the patch panel accommodates the circuit board module 36 during movement of the circuit board module 36 into and out of the circuit board opening 56 of the base.

Where the ports of the patch panel assembly of the present application are divided into discrete groups, all of the ports of the individual sets of ports or patch panels can now be replaced, repaired, and/or upgraded without the need to remove all of the patch panel ports. The socket of any single base can be replaced separately without interfering with other sockets within that base or the remaining sockets within the patch panel assembly. Likewise, the board can be removed, replaced, repaired, or upgraded separately by pulling it out or inserting it under the cable array and associated sockets without removing any sockets or pedestals. A single circuit board can be easily replaced by multiple circuit boards, either alone or in combination with the modular structure described above. The modular nature of the patch panel assembly allows even an end user to use some of the ports of a patch panel for high speed applications, while the remaining ports of the patch panel are maintained for low speed applications, and this is not for the US 8251707 patch panel. It may be done.

While the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been shown and described, it is understood that various modifications may be made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

30‧‧‧Wiring board assembly

31‧‧‧Wiring board

31a‧‧‧Port

32‧‧‧Frame

33‧‧‧ panel

36‧‧‧Circuit board module

37‧‧‧End board

37a‧‧‧handle

38‧‧‧ Cover

40‧‧‧Cable Manager

42‧‧‧ slots

44‧‧‧ openings

60‧‧‧Positioning column

61a, 61b‧‧‧ openings

102‧‧‧Light pipes

110‧‧‧ socket

Claims (174)

A patch panel assembly, the patch panel assembly comprising: a patch panel frame having at least one frame opening disposed thereon, each frame opening providing a port into and out of the patch panel assembly; a base The base engages the frame near the frame opening, the base includes a body portion of the base, the body portion includes a plurality of first openings, each of the first openings entering and exiting the frame opening, each The first opening defines a network port, the body portion of the base further includes at least one second opening, each second opening is associated with and spaced apart from the first opening, and the body portion of the base further includes a support a plurality of terminals thereon, the terminal is disposed between each of the second openings and the first opening, the terminal includes an opposite first tail and a second tail, the two tails respectively corresponding to the first The opening is associated with a second opening; at least one circuit board, each circuit board operatively associated with the first opening, each circuit board including at least one mating blade portion and a plurality of contacts received in a second opening The contact pad engages the contact portion of the second tail portion; and a plurality of sockets, each socket includes an outer casing and an inner cavity, wherein the inner cavity is for receiving a plug therein, and each socket is respectively received Within the first opening, each socket engages a contact portion of the first tail portion to define an independent port. The patch panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the patch panel frame includes a plurality of independent indicating openings, each indicating opening being associated with a port. The patch panel assembly of claim 2, wherein the base further comprises at least one passage, each passage being associated with a first opening, each passage having: a front portion extending forwardly below a first opening; And a rear portion that extends rearwardly at a first opening and communicates with a second opening. The patch panel assembly of claim 3, wherein each of the circuit boards further comprises at least one light pipe, the light pipe being housed in a channel. The patch panel assembly of claim 4, further comprising at least one light emitting diode (LED) disposed on a circuit board, the LED being aligned with a channel and adjacent to a light pipe. The patch panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the first tail portion and the second tail portion each include a resilient arm for compensating for dimensional changes of the socket and a circuit board. The patch panel assembly of claim 6, wherein the contact portion of the first tail portion and the contact portion of the second tail portion each include a bent portion. The patch panel assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the first openings comprises a positioning slot, the positioning slot being configured to receive a positioning rib, the positioning rib being disposed on the socket. The patch panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer casing is electrically conductive, and the patch panel frame is made of a conductive material, each outer casing comprising at least one grounding buckle, each grounding buckle being one An outer housing is coupled to the patch panel frame to provide a ground path from the outer housing to the patch panel frame. The patch panel assembly of claim 1, wherein each socket further comprises: an inner cavity, the inner cavity being configured to receive a plug therein; a plurality of first terminals for contacting the plug; a plurality of second terminals for contacting a plurality of independent wires of a multi-conductor cable, the first terminal and the second terminal being connected together; A plurality of third terminals are connected to the first terminal and the second terminal. The patch panel assembly of claim 10, wherein each of the sockets further includes a circuit board operatively connecting the first terminal, the second terminal, and the third terminal to each other. The patch panel assembly of claim 10, wherein the first terminal and the second terminal are housed in the outer casing, and the third terminal extends to an outer portion of the outer casing and The first tail is aligned. The patch panel assembly of claim 12, wherein the third terminal is insulated from conductive contact of an outer casing of the socket. The patch panel assembly of claim 1, wherein the first opening extends vertically in a body portion of the base and the second opening extends horizontally in a body portion of the base. The patch panel assembly of claim 1, wherein each socket further includes a card block disposed thereon, and the base further includes a snap member, the card being inserted when the socket is fully inserted into the first opening A buckle element engages the card block. The patch panel assembly of claim 15, wherein the snap element extends cantilevered from the base along the first opening and terminates at a free end, the free end being viewable from the patch panel frame The outer portion is contacted to release the engagement of the snap element with the block. The patch panel assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the circuit boards further includes a circuit. The circuit is associated with a respective set of sockets of the first opening. The patch panel assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the sockets further includes an internal switch indicating whether a plug has been fully inserted into the interior of the socket. The patch panel assembly of claim 18, wherein the internal switch includes a first contact and a second contact, and a plug fully inserted into the inner cavity drives the second contact to the first contact A short-circuit contact sends a signal that the plug has been fully inserted into the inner cavity. The patch panel assembly of claim 19, wherein the second contact member applies a pressure to a fully inserted plug. The patch panel assembly of claim 1, wherein each of the sockets further includes a termination seat, the termination socket being disposed in the outer housing, the termination socket being terminated by a pressing tool On it. The patch panel assembly of claim 1 wherein the removal of the sockets does not require removal of the circuit board and vice versa. The patch panel assembly of claim 1, further comprising a module, the module comprising a substrate, a cover and a rear cover, the circuit board being held between the substrate and the cover The rear end cover extends at least the width of the circuit board to thereby provide a handle for the module to facilitate insertion and/or removal of the circuit board assembly. A modular patch panel assembly for a computer network, the patch panel assembly comprising: a patch panel frame, the patch panel frame including an associated panel, the panel including a plurality of longitudinal slots; a plurality of base members, the plurality of slots being no more than the number of slots of the panel, each base member comprising an array of openings for sockets, each socket receiving an array of data receptacles therein Each of the socket openings defines a plurality of independent ports for the computer network, each of the base members further includes a circuit board opening and an array of conductive terminals, wherein the circuit board opens the circuit board by an opening The rim is received therein, and each terminal in the array of conductive terminals is disposed on the base member and extends between an opening for a socket and an opening for a circuit board; at least two circuit boards each including at least two boards a butting blade type portion and a plurality of contact pads, each of the butting blade portions being received in an opening for a circuit board, the plurality of contact pads being contacted by a tail portion of the plurality of conductive terminals; and a plurality of data sockets, each socket The socket is accommodated in a socket, and each socket comprises a casing, a plurality of IDT terminals and a plurality of external terminals, the casing enclosing a plurality of internal terminals for interfacing with an opposite plug, each IDT end Mating a network cable conductors, each of the external terminals to the internal terminal operatively IDT and the terminal connected to the conductive terminal. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 24, wherein each of the socket openings includes a snap element, the snap component receiving a single receptacle therein, each socket further comprising at least one clip. Each of the blocks is disposed on a casing of the socket, and each of the blocks engages with the buckle member when the socket is fully inserted into the opening for the socket. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 25, wherein the panel further includes a plurality of longitudinal slots, the snap elements extending into the slot Thereby, a tool can be inserted into the slot to release the engagement of the snap element with the block. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 24, wherein the outer casing is electrically conductive and the outer terminal is insulatively insulated from the outer casing. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 24, further comprising: an indicating switching element disposed in each of the sockets, the indicating switching element being transmitted under the pressure of the plug when the plug is fully inserted into the socket Operation status signal. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 28, wherein the portion of the indicating switching element forces the fully inserted plug into a cavity of the socket, the internal terminal being disposed within a cavity of the socket. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 24, wherein the electrically conductive terminal includes a resilient end adapted to accommodate a difference in size and/or alignment of the receptacle and the circuit board. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 24, wherein the circuit board is removable and replaceable from the base member without the need to terminate a new cable to the receptacle. A modular patch panel assembly, the modular patch panel assembly comprising: a frame; a plurality of pedestals mountable to the frame, each pedestal including N formed thereon a socket opening, an associated circuit board opening, and a plurality of conductive terminals supported thereon, a circuit board opening disposed in each of the bases and associated with a socket opening, the independent base being mountable The frame is removed from the frame without interfering with other bases; a plurality of sockets, each socket being independently received in a socket opening; and at least one circuit board, each circuit board being received in an opening for a circuit board; Wherein, the conductive terminals contact circuits on each circuit board and circuits on the respective sockets. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 32, wherein the selected receptacle is mountable or removable from the receptacle opening without removing or interfering with other receptacles. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 32, wherein the circuit board is independently mountable or removable from the frame without interfering with any of the socket assemblies. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 32, wherein each receptacle includes a terminal extending toward the exterior thereof and contacting an opposite end of a tail of the terminal of the base. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 32, further comprising a plurality of light pipes extending from the base to the frame from a position adjacent the LEDs disposed on the circuit board A distal front. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 32, wherein the base includes a snap element, each snap element releasably retaining a receptacle within a socket opening, the snap component being from the front or The rear can be actuated. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 32, wherein N is selected from the group consisting essentially of 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, and 24. The modular patch panel assembly of claim 32, further comprising a plurality of light pipes, each light pipe supported by a base, at least one light pipe being associated with each socket opening, the light pipe being disposed and disposed The light emitting ends of the LEDs on the circuit board are adjacent. A network patch panel, the network patch panel comprising: a frame supporting a panel, the panel including a plurality of lateral openings defined thereon; a plurality of pedestals, each pedestal being disposed in one In the opening of the panel, each of the bases includes a body portion and at least one opening for the circuit board, each body portion having a plurality of walls, the plurality of walls together dividing the opening of each panel into a plurality of socket openings; a separate socket, each socket being received in a socket opening, each socket including a card block disposed on an outer surface thereof; wherein each base includes a card formed thereon and extending into each socket opening with the card The block-engaging snap element contacts the snap element from the front or rear through a tool, and the snap element can be released. A modular patch panel assembly, the modular patch panel assembly comprising: a frame; a plurality of pedestals mountable to the frame, each pedestal including a body formed thereon N independent socket openings and a circuit board opening provided on each of the bases and associated with one socket opening; a plurality of sockets, each of which can be terminated and received in a socket opening of each base And at least one circuit board, each of which is housed in an opening for a circuit board Each of the susceptors further includes a plurality of conductive terminals supported on the pedestal and contacting the circuit on the circuit board and the circuit of the socket, whereby the independent socket can be mounted to and removed from the socket The pedestal does not interfere with other sockets of the patch panel assembly, and a separate circuit board can be mounted to and from the patch panel assembly without interfering with the socket. A base for a network patch panel, the base comprising: a body portion, the body portion comprising: at least one first opening configured to receive a data socket therein; and at least one second An opening configured to receive a pair of blade-shaped portions of a circuit board, the first opening and the second opening being aligned with each other and separated from each other by an intermediate interval; and a plurality of conductive terminals each of the conductive terminals The body portion supports and extends between the first opening and the second opening; here, when a data socket is inserted into the first opening, electrical contact between the socket and the conductive terminal And when a circuit board is inserted into the second opening, the circuit board is in electrical contact with the conductive terminal, thereby connecting the data socket and the circuit board together. The susceptor of claim 42, wherein the first opening extends vertically in the body portion and the second opening extends horizontally in the body portion. The susceptor of claim 42, wherein the first opening and the second opening extend in different intersecting directions. The susceptor of claim 42, wherein the first opening defines a hollow a passage that extends entirely through the body portion. The susceptor of claim 42, wherein the terminal comprises: a retaining portion that engages the body portion; and a first tail portion and a second tail portion that are cantilevered by the retaining portion, the first tail portion and The second tail is aligned with the first opening and the second opening, respectively. The susceptor of claim 46, wherein the retaining portion extends vertically, the first and second tail portions extending at an angle to the retaining portion. The susceptor of claim 46, wherein the second tail extends axially into the second opening. The susceptor of claim 42, wherein the first opening is at least partially defined by a plurality of side walls, the at least one side wall including a shoulder disposed to be inserted into a socket of the first opening A stop surface is engaged. The susceptor of claim 42, wherein the body portion includes a plurality of first openings. The pedestal of claim 42, wherein the base includes a latching portion for securing a socket in the first opening. The susceptor of claim 51, wherein the snap portion is actuatable from opposite sides of the patch panel to disengage the latch portion from the socket and permit the socket to be removed The first opening is removed. The susceptor of claim 42, wherein the body portion includes a base and a slot of the plurality of receiving terminals disposed at the base, the slot being aligned with the terminal to fully insert a socket A portion of the terminal is received in the first opening. The susceptor of claim 42, further comprising: disposed in the body portion One less channel, each channel extending axially through the body portion, the channel being in communication with the second opening and in communication with a recess disposed below a first opening. The susceptor of claim 54, further comprising: a light pipe disposed within the channel. A pedestal for a network patch panel, the pedestal comprising: a body portion defining at least one set of independent ports for the patch panel, the body portion including a socket opening An array, the socket array of openings corresponding in number to a set of independent ports, each socket being configured to receive a data socket therein; a circuit board opening, the circuit board opening being disposed at the base And arranging to receive at least one abutting edge portion of an associated circuit board, wherein the circuit board opening is aligned with a set of ports and socket openings, the circuit board opening with an opening and an opening for the socket And a plurality of conductive terminals supported by the body portion to extend in a direction between the first opening and the second opening, and to be inserted into the socket and the insertion hole in the socket opening The circuit board is electrically connected by a circuit on a circuit board in the opening. The susceptor of claim 56, wherein the terminal comprises: a retaining portion engaging the body portion; and a first tail portion and a second tail portion extending from opposite ends of the retaining portion, the first tail portion Aligning with the axis of the socket opening, and the second tail portion extends into the circuit board opening, whereby the first tail contact is inserted into the socket in the socket opening and the second tail contact is inserted The circuit board is used on a circuit board in the opening a circuit to connect the socket to the circuit board. The susceptor of claim 57, wherein the first tail and the second tail both extend cantilevered from the retaining portion. The susceptor of claim 56, wherein the body portion includes a base and a plurality of spaced apart side walls, the plurality of spaced apart side walls together defining the plurality of socket openings. The susceptor of claim 59, further comprising a top wall interconnecting the plurality of side walls, the top wall including a snap element associated with the opening for the socket, the snap element extending into the socket In the opening, the socket inserted into the opening for the socket is engaged. The susceptor of claim 60, wherein the snap element includes a stop face that engages a facing block, the block being disposed in the socket inserted into the socket opening Upper surface. The susceptor of claim 61, wherein the snap element includes an element associated therewith for releasing engagement of the snap element with the socket from an exterior of the patch panel. The susceptor of claim 56, wherein the socket extends in one direction and the circuit board extends in a different direction. The susceptor of claim 56, wherein the base includes a plurality of stop faces that limit the extent to which the receptacle is inserted into the socket opening. A connector for connecting a plurality of sockets to at least one circuit board, the connector comprising: an insulated connector body portion, the connector body portion supporting a plurality of a socket base, each base being configured to receive a socket therein, the base including a buckle portion for releasably holding the socket in the base, the connector body The portion further includes a plurality of openings for the circuit board, each of the circuit board openings is associated with a preselected number of socket pedestals; and a plurality of conductive terminals supported by the connector body portion, each of the conductive terminals being at the socket base A seat extends between the seat and the circuit board opening to provide a conductive path between the circuit of the socket base and the circuit for the circuit board opening. The connector of claim 65, wherein the terminal includes a holding portion that engages the connector body portion, and a first tail portion that is from the holding portion of the terminal The socket extends toward the socket, and the second tail portion extends from the terminal holding portion into the opening for the circuit board. The connector of claim 66, wherein the first tail and the second tail each comprise a curved contact. The connector of claim 65, wherein the connector body portion includes a plurality of channels, each channel being associated with a socket base, the channel being disposed below the socket base, each channel being A first end is in communication with the circuit board opening and at a second end thereof is in communication with a region below the socket for the socket. The connector of claim 68, further comprising a plurality of light pipes, each light pipe having: a first portion received in the first end of the channel; and a second portion received in the second end of the channel. The connector of claim 69, wherein the first portion of the light pipe And the second part has a different cross-sectional shape. The connector of claim 65, wherein the connector body portion is configured to be mounted in an open slot of a patch panel. The connector of claim 65, wherein the socket extends vertically with a base, and the circuit board extends horizontally with the opening. A socket capable of inserting or removing a wiring board, the socket comprising: a housing defining a socket, the housing including an inlet, the inlet allowing an opposite plug to enter the socket, the housing further Included in the outlet, the outlet receives one end of a multi-conductor cable therein, a plurality of internal terminals are supported in an inner cavity of the housing; a body portion, the body portion is disposed in the a plurality of insulating piercing terminals supported by one end of the body portion, each insulating piercing terminal operatively coupled to an internal terminal; and a plurality of external terminals operatively coupled to the housing An internal terminal and the insulating piercing terminal, each external terminal having a contact portion extending from the housing for contacting an opposite terminal of a port of a wiring board, the socket being configured to be mounted on In the port. The socket of claim 73, further comprising: a circuit board disposed in the housing, the internal terminal, the insulating piercing terminal, and the external terminal being connected together via the circuit board. The socket of claim 73, wherein the housing is made of a conductive material, and electrical contact of the contact portion of the external terminal with the housing is isolated. The socket of claim 73, wherein the external terminal includes a contact portion and a tail portion disposed at an opposite end thereof, the external terminal having the connection The contact portion and the tail portion face the same direction. The socket of claim 73, wherein the external terminal has a first free end and a second free end, the first free end is connected to the circuit board, and the external terminal comprises the first A bend between the free end and the second free end. The socket of claim 73, wherein the housing includes at least one card block for engaging a port of the patch panel. The socket of claim 78, wherein the housing further includes a pair of shoulders on opposite sides of the housing, the pair of shoulders engaging a port of a patch panel, the pair of shoulders The one block is aligned. The socket of claim 73, wherein the housing includes front and rear covers that are coupled to each other and at least one ground terminal, each ground terminal being supported by one of the front cover and the rear cover for Establish a ground connection with an opposite plug. The socket of claim 73, wherein the housing further comprises at least one positioning rib extending longitudinally on an outer surface of the housing. The socket of claim 73, further comprising: an internal switch disposed in the socket of the socket, wherein the switch is in an open position when the socket in the socket is empty, and is fully inserted in response to being inserted through a plug The socket acts on the switch to be in a closed position. The socket of claim 82, wherein the switch comprises an inner terminal and an outer terminal, the inner terminal having a plug contact portion, the plug contact portion contacting a plug fully inserted into the socket of the socket, The outer terminal has a short circuit portion, and the short circuit portion is disposed at the plug contact Below the portion, the socket in which the plug is fully inserted into the socket forces the inner terminal to short-circuit contact with the outer terminal. The socket of claim 73, wherein the plug contact applies a retaining force to the plug that is fully inserted into the socket of the socket. The socket of claim 73, wherein the external terminal extends along an exposed edge of a circuit board, and the exposed edge of the circuit board bypasses the external terminal from the housing The housing extends out of contact. The socket of claim 73, wherein an internal terminal of the socket extends longitudinally within the socket, the inner terminal and the outer terminal extend longitudinally within the socket, an internal terminal of the socket, the The inner terminal and the outer terminal are spaced apart from each other. A socket for inserting a patch panel assembly and connecting to a circuit on a circuit board, the socket comprising: a socket housing, the socket housing including a hollow interior and a cable opening, the hollow The interior of the interior at least partially defines a cavity in which a data plug is received, the cable receiving a multi-conductor cable therein by an opening; an inner body portion disposed in the hollow interior, The inner body portion includes an end socket disposed within the socket housing, the termination socket including a plurality of insulated piercing terminals (IDTs) for contacting a plurality of wires of the cable, the IDT being in the The hollow interior extends in a first plane, the inner body portion further supports a plurality of plug contact terminals, and the plurality of plug contact terminals are extended in a second plane in the hollow interior And a plurality of patch panel contact terminals operatively coupled to the plurality of plug contact terminals and the plurality of IDTs, the patch panel contact terminals including extensions of the receptacle housing for contacting a patch panel The part of the opposite terminal of the component. The socket of claim 87, wherein the inner body portion further comprises a circuit board operatively operatively contacting the plurality of plug contacts, the plurality of IDTs, and the plurality of patch panel contact terminals connected. The socket of claim 88, wherein the circuit board extends in a third plane, the third plane being angularly offset from the first plane and the second plane. The socket of claim 88, wherein the circuit board includes an exposed edge extending from the socket housing, and the terminal contact terminal has a free end, the free end defining an exposure along the circuit board The rim extends the contact portion. The socket of claim 90, wherein the socket housing is electrically conductive and the plurality of patch panel contact terminals are insulated from contact with the socket housing. The socket of claim 87, further comprising: at least one card block disposed on the socket housing for engaging the patch panel assembly. The socket of claim 92, further comprising: a stop surface disposed on the housing for engaging the patch panel assembly. The socket of claim 87, further comprising: at least one positioning rib disposed on the housing. The socket of claim 87, further comprising: an internal switching component, setting In the cavity, the switching element is operable between a first position indicating that the cavity is empty and a second position indicating that a data plug is completely Insert the cavity. The socket of claim 95, wherein the switching element comprises: a first contact extending longitudinally within the cavity; and a second contact extending longitudinally within the cavity but with the first The contacts are spaced apart, the second contact includes a different first portion and a second portion, the first portion extending at an angle to the second portion such that when a data plug is fully inserted into the cavity The first portion forces the second contact to be in short-circuit contact with the first contact. The socket of claim 96, wherein the first portion of the second contact applies a pressure toward the plug contact terminal to a data plug that is fully inserted into the cavity. The socket of claim 96, wherein the first tail and the second tail of the terminal each comprise a free elastic end that is capable of flexing and adapting under the docking pressure from the corresponding socket and the circuit board The difference in size between the socket and the board in the socket and board docking. A socket comprising: a socket housing defining a hollow interior, the socket housing having a cavity in which a plug is received, a body portion disposed within the hollow interior and supporting a plurality of alignments a first terminal extending into the cavity; one end of the socket, supporting a plurality of second terminals, the second terminals are IDT terminals for interfacing with wires of a multi-conductor cable; and a state switching element, Set inside the hollow and extend to the place In the cavity, the state switching element includes a fixed switch terminal and a movable switch terminal, and the movable switch terminal contacts the fixed switch terminal in response to a plug being fully inserted into the cavity, and thereby the fixed switch The switch terminal is shorted to indicate that the plug is fully inserted into the cavity. The socket of claim 99, wherein the fixed switch terminal comprises a first U-shaped terminal extending in a first plane, and the movable switch terminal comprises a portion bent on itself to be in a second plane and a second U-shaped terminal extending on the three planes, the movable switch terminal including a pressing portion that engages a plug that is completely inserted into the cavity and forces the movable switch terminal and the fixed portion The switch terminal is shorted in contact to form a signal indicating that the plug is fully inserted into the cavity. The socket of claim 100, wherein the pressing portion presses a plug that is completely inserted into the cavity toward the first terminal. The socket of claim 99, further comprising: a third terminal operatively interconnected with the first terminal and isolated from a short-circuit contact of the housing, the third terminal extending out of the socket housing. A socket for use in a patch panel assembly, comprising: a conductive receptacle housing for ground contact with a portion of the patch panel assembly, the receptacle housing including a corresponding opposing plug connector for receiving An inner cavity, the socket housing has an inlet to the inner cavity; a plurality of first terminals disposed in the inner cavity for contacting the plurality of terminals of the opposite plug connector; a plurality of second terminals for engaging a plurality of wires of a cable, the plurality of Second terminals are connected to the plurality of first terminals, and the plurality of second terminals are supported by one end sockets disposed in the socket housing; and the sockets can be terminated by using a one-end tool Multiple wires of the cable. A base having an integral indicator for a patch panel having a frame, the frame having an opening for accessing a plurality of network ports, the base comprising: a base body portion for connecting To the patch panel frame, the base body portion defines a plurality of socket openings for receiving the plurality of sockets, and the base body portion includes at least one circuit board for housing a circuit board therein An opening, the circuit board supporting at least one LED on a surface thereof; and at least one light pipe supported by the base body portion, each light pipe includes an input end, an output end, and the two ends are connected to each other In a main body portion, the base supports the input end of the light pipe in abutting manner with an LED on the circuit board. The susceptor of claim 104, wherein the input and output of the light pipe are supported at different heights within the pedestal. The susceptor of claim 104, wherein the light pipe is disposed in a passage in communication with the opening for the circuit board. The susceptor of claim 106, wherein the input end of the light pipe is retained in the channel when a circuit board is inserted into the opening for the circuit board. The pedestal as claimed in claim 104, further comprising: at least one channel, Placed on the base, the channel housing a portion of the one light pipe therein. The susceptor of claim 108, wherein the channel is in communication with the one of the circuit boards and the channel directs an input of the light pipe to abutment with an LED of the circuit board. The susceptor of claim 109, wherein the channel aligns the output of the light pipe with a socket opening. The susceptor of claim 109, wherein the channel is in communication with a space below the opening of the socket. The susceptor of claim 104, wherein the light pipe has an offset structure. The susceptor of claim 104, wherein the pedestal includes a hollow recess below the opening for each socket, and includes a plurality of light pipes in the recess and the circuit The plates extend between the openings. A patch panel assembly comprising: a patch panel frame; a base body portion connected to the patch panel frame, the base body portion defining a plurality of socket openings for receiving a plurality of sockets therein The base body portion includes at least one opening for a circuit board for housing a circuit board; the circuit board includes a pair of blade-type portions mounted on the circuit board, the circuit board including a surface supported thereon a plurality of LEDs, the plurality of LEDs extending perpendicular to a plane of the circuit board; and at least one light pipe, one for each of the plurality of socket openings The at least one light pipe each includes an input end, an output end, and a main body portion connecting the two ends together, and the input end of the light pipe extends into the opening for the circuit board, thereby The LED and the circuit board at least partially hold the input end of the light pipe in place within the opening for the circuit board. The patch panel assembly of claim 114, wherein the input and output of the light conduit are supported at different heights on the patch panel assembly. The patch panel assembly of claim 115, wherein the output of the light pipe is disposed on the patch panel assembly at a height that is higher than an input of the light pipe. The patch panel assembly of claim 114, wherein the base body portion includes an axial passage therethrough, and the axial passage communicates with the circuit board opening at one end thereof and at the other end thereof The socket communicates with an area below the opening. The patch panel assembly of claim 117, wherein abutting edge portion of the circuit board within the opening for the circuit board contacts a first portion of the light pipe to at least partially hold the first portion in place Within the channel. The patch panel assembly of claim 114, wherein the light pipe has a first portion having a square or rectangular shape and a second portion having a cylindrical shape. The patch panel assembly of claim 119, wherein the circuit board opening includes a plurality of slots in communication therewith, the slot housing the light pipe a part of. A modular patch panel frame comprising: a frame including a panel, a substrate extending rearwardly from the panel, and at least one wall extending longitudinally of the panel to define a side edge of the frame The panel includes at least one opening disposed thereon; a base mountable to the frame and configured to communicate with the opening, the base including a plurality of independent socket openings, the plurality A separate socket opening vertically on the base and configured to receive a plurality of separate sockets therein, the plurality of independent sockets being terminated to a plurality of separate cables, the base further An opening for a circuit board, the circuit board extending horizontally in the base and being disposed to receive a pair of blade-shaped portions of a circuit board, and the base includes extending to the a plurality of conductive terminals in the opening for the circuit board; and a circuit board module supporting a circuit board, the circuit board including a pair of blade-shaped portions, wherein the plurality of contact pads are disposed adjacent to the butting blade portion, Module package An enclosure that receives a portion of the circuit board such that a mating blade portion of the circuit board extends out of the enclosure, the circuit board supporting the enclosure to enable the circuit board The docking blade portion is opposite to the circuit board opening of the base, and the enclosure is slidable on the substrate of the patch panel frame to push the circuit board by moving the module toward the base The mating blade portion is capable of interfacing with the circuit board opening and the plurality of terminals of the base. The modular patch panel frame of claim 121, wherein The frame includes a recess for receiving the enclosure. The modular patch panel frame of claim 122, wherein the socket opening is disposed on the base at a height above the circuit board such that the recess occupies the socket opening An area below. The modular patch panel frame of claim 122, wherein the enclosure body can be pushed in or pulled out by the user, and the enclosure body does not contact any socket in the socket opening. . The modular patch panel frame of claim 122, further comprising: a cable manager, spaced apart from and aligned with the plurality of socket openings behind the plurality of socket openings, the cable management The device is disposed above the recess and is provided as a cable supporting the socket, the socket being inserted into the socket opening without interfering with movement of the module into or out of the recess. The modular patch panel frame of claim 122, wherein the module includes at least one grounding spring disposed on an outer portion thereof, the grounding elastic and the grounding when the module is disposed in the recess Said wiring board frame contact. The modular patch panel frame of claim 121, wherein the substrate includes at least one opening, and the module includes at least one engagement element aligned with an opening of the substrate, when the enclosure is fully inserted When the mating blade portion of the circuit board is received in the opening for the circuit board, the engaging element of the module engages with the opening of the substrate. The modular patch panel frame of claim 121, wherein the module further includes a plurality of nut posts, the plurality of nut posts supporting the circuit board Hold in the surrounding body. The modular patch panel frame of claim 121, wherein the mating blade portion of the circuit board includes a positioning slot, and the circuit board opening of the base includes a partition column, the partition pillar A positioning slot that is configured to engage the board. The modular patch panel frame of claim 121, wherein the enclosure includes a top cover and a bottom cover, each of the two covers including a leading edge, the butt blade type of the circuit board The portion extends out of the enclosure and beyond the leading edge of the two covers. The modular patch panel frame of claim 130, wherein the bottom cover includes a stop surface that limits forward movement of the enclosure within the frame. The modular patch panel frame of claim 121, wherein the circuit board supports a plurality of electronic components on one surface thereof, and the module includes a non-conductive diaphragm, the diaphragm covering A plurality of electronic components are described to prevent the electronic component from contacting the frame, the pedestal, or any conductive element that is inserted into a socket in the socket opening. The modular patch panel frame of claim 121, wherein the module includes a handle for pushing the module into engagement with the frame or pulling the module out The engagement with the frame is released. A patch panel assembly comprising: a patch panel frame comprising a front panel and a substrate partially defining a socket; a plurality of bases engaging with the front panel, each of the plurality of bases defining a The sockets of the group of sockets are arranged to receive a plurality of independent sockets therein, the plurality of socket openings being aligned with each other along a first axis parallel to the substrate, the plurality of bases Each of the circuit boards further includes an opening for each circuit board, and each of the circuit board openings is associated with each of the sets of socket openings and is configured to receive a front edge of a circuit board, the plurality of circuit board openings and the substrate Parallel a second axis aligned with each other, the first axis being spaced apart from the substrate by a distance H to define a recessed region of the patch panel frame; and a plurality of modules engageable with the patch panel frame Each module includes a surrounding body having an open end, each surrounding body supporting a circuit board therein, such that a leading edge of the circuit board protrudes beyond the open end of the surrounding body, and each of the surrounding The body has a height not greater than H, and the plurality of modules are independently slidable in and out of the groove region on the substrate of the patch panel frame. The patch panel assembly of claim 134, wherein the leading edge of the circuit board within each module is aligned with the circuit board of a corresponding associated pedestal. The patch panel assembly of claim 134, wherein the patch panel frame includes a plurality of openings, each module including at least one engagement element disposed in an opening with the plurality of patch panel frames A bond to hold the module in place within the patch panel frame. The patch panel assembly of claim 136, wherein the opening is disposed on a substrate of the patch panel and the engaging member is disposed along a bottom of the enclosure. The patch panel assembly of claim 134, wherein the plurality of modules Each of the plurality of modules includes a grounding spring to ensure that all of the plurality of modules are in ground contact with each other and in ground contact with the terminal frame when the plurality of modules are fully inserted into the recessed area of the terminal block frame. The patch panel assembly of claim 134, further comprising: a cable manager configured to support a cable terminated to the socket, the socket being inserted into the socket opening, the cable manager being The spacing above the substrate of the patch panel frame is not less than H. The patch panel assembly of claim 134, wherein the first axis and the second axis are horizontal axes. The patch panel assembly of claim 134, further comprising the plurality of sockets inserted into the plurality of socket openings, the plurality of sockets being spaced no less than H above the substrate of the patch panel frame. The patch panel assembly of claim 134, wherein the circuit board includes a first surface and a second surface, a plurality of electronic components are disposed on the first surface of the circuit board, and a plurality of LEDs are disposed on the circuit board The second surface of the circuit board between the abutting portions, the plurality of LEDs being disposed on the second surface of the circuit board for interfacing with the input ends of the plurality of light pipes supported by the base. The patch panel assembly of claim 142, wherein the circuit board supports a plurality of electronic components on at least one surface thereof near its leading edge, and the module includes a protective film, the protective film being The electronic components are extended to prevent accidental short-circuit contact during insertion and removal of the module from the terminal block frame. A patch panel frame comprising: a base, a front panel, and at least one base, the base defining a socket opening through the front panel, the socket opening a socket at a specific height NH above the base The pedestal further includes an opening for the circuit board, wherein the circuit board is disposed at the base at a specific height above the base below the NH; and a module for housing a circuit board. The circuit board has a leading edge for abutting the circuit board opening of the base, the module having a height lower than NH to allow the module to be inserted into or removed from the base The circuit board is open without disturbing a socket supported by the base. The patch panel frame of claim 144, wherein the module includes a hollow enclosure having an opening, and a leading edge of the circuit board protrudes out of the opening. The patch panel frame of claim 144, wherein the module includes a grounding spring for contacting the base. A circuit board module for a patch panel assembly, the patch panel assembly having a frame, the frame having a base, the base comprising a plurality of socket openings and a plurality of circuit board openings, An opening for the circuit board is disposed under the opening for the socket, and the frame further includes a horizontal member for supporting the cable, the cable being associated with a socket capable of being inserted into the opening for the socket, the circuit board module The set includes: a circuit board having opposing leading and trailing edges, the leading edge and the trailing edge being interconnected via opposite side edges, a plurality of conductive contact pads disposed adjacent the leading edge, the circuit board including a plurality of electronic components disposed on one surface thereof; a bottom cover and a top cover, the bottom cover and the top cover are engaged with each other to define a hollow enclosure, and at least one circuit board support is disposed in the enclosure for supporting the circuit board Enclosing the body; an end cap extending laterally between opposite edges of the circuit board, the end cap closing a rear end of the enclosure; and a leading edge of the circuit board extending out of the enclosure And the module further includes an engaging element for engaging the terminal block frame. The circuit board module of claim 147, wherein the circuit board and the enclosure are rectangular in shape. The circuit board module of claim 147, further comprising a diaphragm extending over the plurality of electronic components to prevent the plurality of electronic components from contacting the base or the insertion of the wiring board Any of the conductive elements of the socket in the socket opening. The circuit board module of claim 149, wherein the diaphragm is an insulating film and the diaphragm contacts a top cover of the circuit board module. The circuit board module of claim 147, wherein the front edge of the circuit board includes a foolproof slot. The circuit board module of claim 147, wherein the engagement element of the circuit board module includes a hook end, the hook end being configured to engage a corresponding opposing engagement opening on the terminal block frame. The circuit board module of claim 147, wherein the circuit board includes at least one connector mounted on a surface thereof, and one of the top cover and the bottom cover includes the one connector Aligning to define an opening of a passage in communication with the one connector. The circuit board module of claim 147, wherein the circuit board support member includes a nut post extending between the circuit board and one of the top cover and the bottom cover. The circuit board module of claim 154, wherein the other of the top cover and the bottom cover includes a recess, the recess contacts the circuit board and the circuit board and the top cover The other of the bottom covers is spaced apart. The circuit board module of claim 147, wherein the circuit board module includes at least one grounding spring, the at least one grounding spring is disposed on a surface of the circuit board module to serve as the circuit board The module is in contact with the frame of the patch panel assembly when inserted into the frame of the patch panel assembly. The circuit board module of claim 156, wherein the circuit board module comprises two grounding springs disposed on opposite sides, and the circuit board module is included on opposite sides of the circuit board module A handle portion extends between. The circuit board module of claim 147, wherein the top cover and the bottom cover each include a leading edge, and a front edge of the circuit board extends out of the surrounding body and beyond a front edge of the top cover And a leading edge of the bottom cover. The circuit board module of claim 147, wherein the circuit board includes at least one LED supported on a surface of the circuit board and spaced apart from a leading edge of the circuit board, The LED is used to interface with the input of a light pipe. The circuit board module of claim 147, wherein the circuit board includes two connectors connected to the circuit board, and the two connectors are along Two different angularly offset directions extend in alignment with the two openings of the top cover and the bottom cover. A module comprising: a circuit board comprising a leading edge and a trailing edge, the leading edge and the trailing edge being disposed at respective opposite front and rear ends of the circuit board, The circuit board includes a plurality of contact pads adjacent to a front edge of the circuit board; and a surrounding body defined by a substrate and a cover plate, each of the substrate and the cover plate including a leading edge, the circuit board is transparent A plurality of support members are disposed in the enclosure between the substrate and the cover plate, the cover plate having a length that is less than a corresponding length of the substrate to allow the front of the circuit board The edge extends out of the enclosure and beyond the leading edge of the substrate and the leading edge of the cover, the substrate includes a stop surface disposed in front of the leading edge of the circuit board. The module of claim 161, wherein the circuit board supports a plurality of electronic components, at least a portion of the plurality of electronic components being disposed on a front edge of the circuit board and a leading edge of the cover plate Between the boards on the board. The module of claim 162, further comprising a membrane cover extending from a leading edge of the cover and covering at least a portion of the plurality of electronic components. The module of claim 161, wherein the enclosure includes a rear end wall extending adjacent to a rear edge of the circuit board, the rear end wall defining a module for the module handle. The module of claim 164, wherein the rear end wall includes at least one engagement hook for engaging a corresponding engagement opening on a patch panel frame. The module of claim 164, wherein the rear end wall includes a hook for engaging a frame of the opposing carrier. The module of claim 161, further comprising at least one grounding spring piece, the at least one grounding spring piece being disposed along a pair of connecting edges of the module to provide a groove on the surrounding body and a wiring board frame Electrical contact between. The module of claim 161, wherein one of the top cover and the bottom cover includes an opening aligned with a connector on the circuit board to allow the connector to pass in and out The enclosure, the connector extending vertically from the circuit board. A pluggable circuit board module comprising: an electrically conductive base member having opposing leading and trailing edges, a leading edge of the base member being bent out of a plane of the base member to define the enclosure a stop surface; an electrically conductive cover member having opposing leading and trailing edges, the cover member being combined with the base member to form a leading edge and the cover member defined on the base member a hollow enclosure surrounding an opening between the leading edges; and a circuit board having a body portion having opposing leading and trailing edges, the plurality of electronic components being disposed on the body of the circuit board The circuit board is supported in the enclosure such that a trailing edge of the circuit board is completely enclosed within the enclosure and a front edge of the circuit board extends The enclosure is protruded beyond the leading edge of the base member and the leading edge of the cover member to define a pair of blade-shaped portions of the enclosure such that the enclosure is pluggable to the base of a patch panel. The pluggable circuit board module of claim 169, wherein the circuit board includes a plurality of contact pads disposed along a front edge of the circuit board. A pluggable circuit board enclosure as claimed in claim 169, further comprising an end cap engaged with both the base member and the cover member, the end cap including at least one engagement hook disposed thereon, To lock the enclosure in place in a patch panel assembly. The pluggable circuit board module of claim 169, wherein the circuit board is disposed between the base member and the cover member, and a leading edge of the cover member and a front of the circuit board The edges are spaced apart. The pluggable circuit board module of claim 169, wherein the cover member includes a diaphragm, the diaphragm extending forward from a leading edge of the cover member and on the plurality of electronic components Extending to insulate the plurality of electronic components from contact with a patch panel frame. The pluggable circuit board module of claim 169, wherein the enclosure comprises at least one grounding spring for contacting a patch panel frame or an adjacent enclosure.